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Write your Congressional Representatives

Missile sale to Pakistan: Implication for US national security interests

Use the following seven sample template letters to write your two Senators and your House Representative against the proposed sale of lethal military supplies worth 1.04 billion to Pakistan.

Sample Letter #1 (by Hari Iyer)

Dear Honorable _____:

On Dec 7th 2006 the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of two possible Foreign Military Sales to Pakistan of advanced weapons, associated equipment and services.

Both sales if they go through could involve up to 2,769 Radio Frequency TOW 2A missiles, 415 RF bunker buster missiles, fly-to-buy missiles in both these categories, 121 TOW launchers for wire-guided and wireless missiles, E-2C HAWKEYE 2000 Airborne Early Warning Systems, simulators and support equipment. Their total worth could be up to $1.04 Billion.

This is a serious decision that has been taken in the period between the 109th Congress ending and the 110th Congress taking office. If it happens, it will take place without Congressional oversight into a sale of high tech and possible dual use military equipment, with serious national security implications. Some of the more important ones are as below.

Given the history of the nuclear and conventional defense proliferation and cooperation between North Korea and Pakistan, there is no assurance that some of these TOW 2A and RF bunker buster missiles will not find their way to the North Koreans.

As there is considerable sympathy for the Taliban in Pakistani intelligence and army circles, there is a good likelihood of some TOW 2A and RF bunker buster missiles being “stolen” and finding their way into Taliban hands. They could then be used against coalition and NATO forces in Eastern Afghanistan.

TOW RF bunker busters could be potentially modified (with small amounts of radioactive fissile material) by forces inimical to US coalition and NATO Forces for use as dirty bombs in areas such as the Green Zone in Baghdad and in Kabul against the democratically elected government of Afghanistan.

A point that merits attention is the idea of strategic depth for Iran against the US in a possible war in the Iraq-Iran border. What is to prevent TOW 2A and RF bunker busters from being used against US and coalition forces? This would lend strategic depth to Iranian forces in a defensive action against US were such a conflict to occur. How would Iran get a hold of TOW 2A and RF bunker buster missiles? The answer does require making a small leap of faith which is not too far-fetched in these days of “politics making strange bedfellows”. Pakistan’s economy is developing and with that its appetite for energy. There is competition for Iranian energy amongst the nations of Europe and Asia. Anti-US interests in Pakistan (with or without the connivance of the government in Islamabad) could conceivably give or sell some of these weapons to Iran just across the border in exchange for long term Iranian natural gas supplies to Pakistan.

Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association recently said “US officials claim that the recent sale to Pakistan of F-16 jets with air-to-air missiles will help in the fight against Al Qaeda. In reality, they are for fighting India and they create a market for selling similar US fighters to India.”

India is the largest democracy in the world, a valued trading partner of the US. Many US corporations have some or all of their back office functions being performed in India. India has the second largest middle-class in the world, a bonanza for US companies seeking untapped or unsaturated markets. India is politically the most stable in an arc of instability and repression stretching from the Middle-East all the way to the Pacific Rim. India is a geopolitical partner that could help police the waters of the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf in the event of a threat to shipping on those important trade routes. India’s security and US security interests are inextricably linked. This sale could compromise both.

As my elected representative, I urge you to ask for a deferment of the sales so that you can perform your constitutionally required duty of oversight (by way of hearings) into a matter with far reaching US national security interests. With the Iraq war threatening to spill across its borders into other regions, the US should not be exacerbating matters by a sale of such high tech weapons that could fall into anti-US hands.

With respectful regards,

Sample Letter #2 (by B K Vasan)

Dear Honorable _____:

On December 7, 2006, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Pakistan worth a phenomenal $1.04 billion.

The weapons systems under consideration are:

• 2,769 Radio Frequency TOW 2A missiles
• 415 RF bunker buster missiles
• Fly-to-buy missiles in both these categories
• 121 TOW launchers for wire-guided and wireless missiles
• E-2C HAWKEYE 2000 Airborne Early Warning Systems, simulators and support equipment

Even if a small percentage of these weapons fall into the hands of the Taliban, it can wreak havoc against the American and NATO forces.

In spite of General Musharraf’s best intentions, it appears he is unable to control factions within the Pakistani Army, and the ISI establishment, from supporting terrorists in Afghanistan. Prestigious news sources such as the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and the Wall Street Journal have carried extensive reports on the steady increase of influence of the Taliban within Pakistan.

General Musharraf may seem strong today, but history has again shown the incendiary nature of Pakistani politics. The danger from the fundamentalist forces in Pakistan is very much alive and even General Musharraf acknowledges that his leadership is perhaps the only thing preventing Pakistan from sliding deeper into the Taliban's clutches. And if Musharraf dies or is assassinated, what happens?

Ominously, people in parts of Pakistan are even electing the Taliban-backed political parties into power.

Secretary Condoleezza Rice acknowledged the existence of Taliban’s ‘safe havens’ in a recent interview she gave the Washington Post, urging Pakistan and Afghanistan to work with the coalition forces to destroy them.

This year, in North Waziristan, more than 100 local leaders and government sympathizers or accused "American spies" have been killed, several of them in beheadings, as the militants have used a reign of terror to impose what General Musharraf calls a creeping "Talibanization." Last year, at least 100 were killed in the same way.

In its report on Iraq, the bipartisan Iraq Study Group warned that Afghanistan’s porous borders could allow the Taliban to "control more of Afghanistan" and should that happen, " it could provide Al Qaeda the political space to conduct terrorist operations."

Added to that, in spite of the best efforts of General Musharraf, the ISI continues to have close contacts with the Taliban. In the last few week we have seen a steady deterioration of relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan with Mr. Karzai stressing repeatedly that Pakistan is actively backing the Taliban and sending suicide bombers into Afghanistan.

Given these facts, there is a very real danger of such sophisticated armaments falling into the hands of the Taliban and ending up being used against American troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. That would surely be a great tragedy if it were to happen. While it may seem alarmist, the chances of this happening are very high, given the penetration of the fundamentalist forces into ISI and the Pakistani Army establishment.

At this juncture it is not wise to introduce such weapons systems that will pose a grave threat to American troops. Further, this has great potential to destabilize the region for decades to come.

What is needed at this point is the development of goodwill in the minds of the Pakistani people toward the United States. Introducing lethal arms is not the way to do this. It only endangers our troops and creates ill-will in Pakistan because even a cursory reading of the Pakistani press tells us that the Military regime is highly unpopular. The Pakistani Military is already suspected of having squandered billions.

Such vast amounts of money coming from the United States and given entirely to the Military in the form of Arms, only serve to underline the fact that the Military personnel are lining their pockets at the expense of the common people. The people of Pakistan do not need more arms; they need the United States to help them with the crumbling infrastructure of education, business and healthcare.

I request you to delay the proposed sale of lethal military supplies and also take steps to hold a hearing on the subject. There is no time to lose as the 30 day time limit expires on January, 6, 2007.

Respectful regards,

Sample Letter #3 (by Manish Thakur)

Dear Honorable _____:

I am writing to express my concern over the proposed sale of advanced missiles to Pakistan.

On December 7, 2006, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency had notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Pakistan worth a phenomenal $1.04 billion.

Pakistan has been portrayed as an ally in our War on Terror. It is true that it has apprehended many Al Qaeda operatives. Yet it also continues to be a breeding ground not just for Islamic extremism, but also for the very Taliban forces that are attacking NATO and American troops in Afghanistan. Such attacks threaten the very existence of the Karzai government - which has direct and clear implications for our national security, as was amply demonstrated on 9/11.

Selling Pakistan missiles will send the worst message at this time, and not only because it will further encourage Pakistan to tolerate attacks from its territory on our troops. It also runs the risk of proliferation of advanced technologies to our enemies. Pakistan has already been proven to be the worst proliferator in history, selling technology to rogue states such as Iran and North Korea. At the same time, it undermines our relationship with India, a country we are trying to improve ties with.

Lastly and most disturbing of all, is the possibility that President Musharaff is removed from office. It is entirely unclear what type of government will succeed him. It is not impossible that a radicalized Islamist regime could emerge - and one armed with advanced missiles, if this sale is allowed to go through.

For all of the reasons above, I strongly urge you to delay the transfer of missiles to Pakistan - a move that I believe can have grave implications for our national security. Also take steps to hold a hearing on the subject. There is no time to lose as the 30-day time limit expires on January, 6, 2007.

Respectful regards,

Sample Letter #4 (by Jaya Kamlani)

Dear Honorable _____:

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress on December 7 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Pakistan worth $1.04 billion to include: F16s, thousands of missiles, missile launchers, bunker buster missiles and airborne early warning system.

In defending their strategy, the administration claims that the arms sale would enable Pakistan to help fight the war on terror against Al Qaida and Taliban in the region. How did the administration arrive at this conclusion when previous U.S reports have declared that Pakistan has been providing safe haven to Al Qaida and the Taliban members? How could Pakistan use the arms against those they protect? On the surface it may appear so, but in reality these U.S. supplied arms could be used against India, as was done in 1965 during President Lyndon Johnson’s presidency. Aided by U.S. tanks and supplies, Pakistan then invaded India by marching into Kashmir. It was done then. It could happen again. Since then two more wars have been fought between the two neighbors over the territory of Kashmir. Does U.S. need to provide fuel for the fire?

Only recently, President Hamid Karzai in a tearful speech appealed to the world that Afghan children are being killed by NATO and U.S bombs, and by terrorists from Pakistan. What assurance do we have that U.S. arms sold to Pakistan will not fall in the hands of the terrorists? What assurance do we have these arms will not be used against our U.S. soldiers or used to kill innocent civilians of Afghanistan?

I request you to delay the proposed sale of lethal military supplies and also take steps to hold a hearing on the subject. There is no time to lose as the 30-day time limit expires on January, 6, 2007.

Respectful regards,

Sample Letter #5 (by Subhash Paradkar)

Dear Honorable _____:

I am very much concerned about Defense Security Cooperation Agency notification to Congress of FMS to Pakistan worth a$1.04 billion.

The weapons systems under consideration are:

• 2,769 Radio Frequency TOW 2A missiles
• 415 RF bunker buster missiles
• Fly-to-buy missiles in both these categories
• 121 TOW launchers for wire-guided and wireless missiles
• E-2C HAWKEYE 2000 Airborne Early Warning Systems, simulators and support equipment

Recently, India’s Prime Minister and Pakistan's President met and discussed plans to resolve the Kashmir issue. They are meeting again soon. I am therefore suggesting that the above sale be postponed until they resolve the issue. At this time, any sale of weapons systems will encourage fundamentalists in Pakistan to not support an agreement. The Pakistani President is trying to bring the country into the mainstream and hoping to join the growing economy in South Asia. We also need to assess support from Tribals and ISI to ensure that, if a small percentage of these weapons fall into the hands of the Taliban, it can hurt resolve to find Bin Laden and harm American and NATO forces in Afghanistan.

In spite of General Musharraf’s best intentions, it appears he is unable to control factions within the Pakistani Army, and the ISI establishment, from supporting terrorists in Afghanistan. We cannot hang our hat on General Musharraf alone until we know who will be his successor. It could become a nightmare for our investments in India and China. Secretary Condoleezza Rice acknowledged the existence of Taliban’s ‘safe havens’ in a recent interview for the Washington Post, urging Pakistan and Afghanistan to work with the coalition forces to destroy them.

Given these facts, there is a very real danger of such sophisticated armaments falling into the hands of the Taliban and ending up being used against American interests globally. While it may seem alarmist, the chances of this happening are very high, given the penetration of the fundamentalist forces into the ISI and the Pakistani Army establishment.

What is needed at this point is the development of goodwill in the minds of the Pakistani people, 80% of whom hate Americans. This hate rage needs a long-term strategy to facilitate good economic relationships among India, Pakistan, and China. Let them work these things out with patience and at a cultural change they can afford. The people of Pakistan do not need more arms; they need the US to help them with the crumbling infrastructure of education, business and healthcare. Please delay the proposed sale of lethal military supplies and hold a hearing on the subject before January, 6, 2007.

Respectfully,

Sample Letter #6 (by Subhash Paradkar)

Dear Honorable _____:

I am US citizen in the State of ______ and you are my elected representative in Congress. I am concerned our national security and global interests may be adversely impacted resulting from the sale to Pakistan of advanced weapons, associated equipment and services, including: 2,769 Radio Frequency TOW 2A missiles, 415 RF bunker buster missiles, fly-to-buy missiles in both these categories, 121 TOW launchers for wire-guided and wireless missiles, E-2C HAWKEYE 2000 Airborne Early Warning Systems, simulators and support equipment. The total worth of such a sale would be as much as $1.04 Billion.

This decision is being taken during a transition period when a newly elected Congress is taking office. Given the history of the nuclear and conventional defense proliferation and cooperation between North Korea and Pakistan, Pakistan’s relationship (A Q Khan episode) with Iran, China and other fundamentalist Islamic organizations including Al Qaeda, it is highly likely that these missiles and technology will fall into the wrong hands and hurt our strategic balance in South Asia and Middle East.

There is considerable sympathy for, and collaboration with, the Taliban in the Pakistani intelligence and army community, and any hurried decision could haunt us if they are used against coalition and NATO forces in Afghanistan or Iraq.

TOW RF bunker busters could be modified (with small amounts of radioactive fissile material) by forces inimical to US coalition and NATO Forces for use as dirty bombs in areas such as the Green Zone in Baghdad and in Kabul against the democratically elected governments.

Anti-US interests in Pakistan (with or without the connivance of the government in Islamabad) could conceivably give or sell some of these weapons to Iran just across the border in exchange for long term Iranian support to Pakistan.

India is the largest democracy in the world, a valued trading partner of the US. Many US corporations have some or all of their back office functions being performed in India. India has the second largest middle-class in the world, a bonanza for US companies seeking untapped or unsaturated markets. India is politically the most stable in an arc of instability and repression stretching from the Middle East all the way to the Pacific Rim. India is a geopolitical partner that could help police the waters of the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf in the event of a threat to shipping on those important trade routes. India’s security and US security interests are inextricably linked. This FMS to Pakistan could compromise both.

As my elected representative, I urge you defer the sales and ask for a hearing of experts from both parties.

Respectfully,

Sample Letter #7 (by Subhash Paradkar)

Dear Honorable _____:

I am a US Citizen and you are my elected representative in Congress. I am concerned about the Foreign Military Sale to Pakistan worth a phenomenal $1.04 billion and includes:

• 2,769 Radio Frequency TOW 2A missiles
• 415 RF bunker buster missiles
• Fly-to-buy missiles in both these categories
• 121 TOW launchers for wire-guided and wireless missiles
• E-2C HAWKEYE 2000 Airborne Early Warning Systems, simulators and support equipment

Fact: General Musharraf’s is unable to control factions within the Pakistani Army, and the ISI establishment, from supporting terrorists in Afghanistan.

Fact: General Musharraf acknowledges that his leadership is perhaps the only thing preventing Pakistan from sliding deeper into the Taliban's clutches. If Musharraf is assassinated, who will be his successor?

Fact: People in parts of Pakistan are even electing the Taliban-backed political parties into power.

Fact: Secretary Condoleezza Rice acknowledged the existence of the Taliban’s ‘safe havens’ and urged Pakistan and Afghanistan to work with the coalition forces to destroy them.

Fact: The bipartisan Iraq Study Group warned that Afghanistan’s porous borders could allow the Taliban to "control more of Afghanistan" and should that happen, "it could provide Al Qaeda the political space to conduct terrorist operations."

Fact: Pakistani Intelligence, the ISI, continues to have close contacts with the Taliban. In the last few weeks we have seen a steady deterioration of relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan with Mr. Karzai stressing repeatedly that Pakistan is actively backing the Taliban and sending suicide bombers into Afghanistan.

Given these facts, there is a very real danger of such sophisticated armaments falling into the hands of the Taliban and ending up being used against American troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.

While India and Pakistan were trying to make peace, ISI-sponsored bombing occurred in western India. The sale of weapons will adversely impactthe strategic balance in favor of Islamic militants and destabilize the region with irrevocable damage to our relationship with secular and democratic India.

What is needed at this point is the development of goodwill in the minds of the Pakistani people toward the United States and India.

I would recommend we use diplomatic leverage rather than an arms race. While such a sale may create jobs at home, it does long-lasting damage to the goodwill we are trying to build. The people of Pakistan do not need more arms; they need the United States to help them with the crumbling infrastructure of education, business and healthcare.

I urge you to delay the proposed sale of lethal military supplies and also to take steps to hold a hearing on the subject. Time is of the essence because any rush decision will not create “peace on earth and goodwill towards mankind”.

I will follow any action you take.

Respectfully,